Travis Shumake Bio
Travis Cody Shumake (born August 10, 1984) is an American drag racer, team owner, and LGBTQ+ advocate. He competes in the NHRA Top Fuel category and is recognized as the first openly gay driver to regularly compete in the top level of any global touring motorsports league.
Early Life and Background
Travis Shumake was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. He is the son of NHRA Funny Car legend Tripp Shumake and Susie Shumake, a skilled mechanic and member of the Arizona Drag Racing Hall of Fame. Following his father’s passing in 1999, Travis shifted his focus from racing to competitive cheerleading, eventually earning a collegiate scholarship at Northern Arizona University. While at Northern Arizona University, he served as student body president and was active in Sigma Chi and athletics. Shumake earned the university’s True Blue and Gold Award, was Homecoming King, and was named Greek Life Man of the Year.
Path to Motorsports
Before returning to racing, Shumake built a successful career in nonprofit development. He held leadership roles at organizations such as one·n·ten, the Clinton Foundation, and currently at the Ali Forney Center, focusing on LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. He has also served on multiple boards including Phoenix Suns Charities 88 and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona. Inspired by his late father’s legacy, Shumake returned to the dragstrip in 2021. He earned a series of 250 MPH+ NHRA licenses through training at Frank Hawley Drag Racing School and by completing licensing runs at major venues including Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Firebird Motorsports Park, Gainesville Raceway, and the Texas Motorplex.
Travis Shumake Career
Early Career (2021-2022)
In 2022, Travis Shumake made his Top Alcohol Dragster debut driving for Randy Meyer Racing at the Menards NHRA Nationals in Topeka, Kansas, where he became the target of a protest by the Westboro Baptist Church. He responded by leaning into his identity, debuting rainbow parachutes sponsored by Grindr. In his second race in Top Alcohol, driving the Sheetz dragster, Shumake advanced to the semifinals of the Pep Boys NHRA Nationals in Reading, Pennsylvania, on back-to-back hole shot wins.
Breakthrough (2023-2025)
Shumake earned his Top Fuel license in the fall of 2023 behind the wheel of a dragster he purchased from Scrappers Racing – Mike Salinas. He made his professional debut at the 2024 NHRA Arizona Nationals in Phoenix, finishing 23rd in the 2024 Top Fuel Points Championship. In March 2025, Shumake set the Top Speed of Eliminations at the Arizona Nationals with a 330.88 MPH pass in the first round against former world champion Doug Kalitta. In April 2025, Shumake was profiled in the annual list of Drag Racing’s “Movers, Shakers, and Deal Makers,” highlighting both his recent on-track success and quick ascent into the top of the sport. While Shumake currently owns his race team, Shumake Racing is run as a team car to Jasmine Salinas under the Scrappers Racing umbrella. He is currently pursuing sponsorship to run additional races in the 2025 season.
Notable Works and Milestones
Travis Shumake is recognized for his significant contributions to drag racing and LGBTQ+ advocacy. He was named Compete Magazine Professional Athlete of the Year in 2023 and was the 2024 Stonewall Columbus Champion of Pride.
Travis Shumake Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Travis Shumake has received several nominations recognizing his achievements and contributions to the sport and the LGBTQ+ community.
Travis Shumake Awards Won
Travis Shumake has won notable awards, including Professional Athlete of the Year in 2023 and Stonewall Columbus Champion of Pride in 2024.
Travis Shumake Family
Travis Shumake is engaged to his partner, Daryl. They became engaged on Christmas Night 2024 on the deck of New York City’s Staten Island Ferry.
Personal Life
Travis Shumake is openly gay and has been a visible advocate for inclusion in motorsports. He was featured in the 2024 Out 100 list and regularly appears in publications such as The Advocate, Outsports, Queerty, and the Human Rights Campaign Magazine.